Jamaica maintains a unique culture, shaped by both its colonial past
and its African heritage. It boasts its own distinctive cuisine and a strong
tradition of crafts and art. Its hostelries are equally varied, from full-service
resorts on expansive compounds and private vacation homes
with attentive staffs to a fanciful seaside castle, typical of the delightful
surprises awaiting visitors in Jamaica.

The island?s physical diversity is impressive: plains of waving
sugarcane; some English-like landscapes; and rugged, rain-forested
mountains. The countryside is punctuated by picturesque settlements,
the occasional old plantation, meandering rivers, and even mountain
cascades. Some of Jamaica?s beaches are long and surfy, but most are
reef-protected coves, lapped by languid blue waters and shaded by
swaying palms.

Famous for its golf, Jamaica also offers water sports, horseback riding,
and, at its plentiful resorts, a multitude of other diversions. On our visits,
we?ve shared jerk pork and Red Stripe beer with the locals in a tiny fishing
village. We?ve rafted the Martha Brae, picnicked at a "secret" falls,
and played with all the toys at Jamaica?s best resorts. And we?ve sampled
only a small bite of Jamaica?s vacation menu.